Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups frozen blueberries (or fresh blueberries plus ice)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
- 1 large ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein and creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 4-5 ice cubes (only if using fresh fruit instead of frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: If using fresh banana, peel and break it into chunks. Measure out your spinach, blueberries, and any optional add-ins. If your blender struggles with leafy greens, tear the spinach into smaller pieces.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Add ingredients to your blender in this order for best results: liquid (milk) first, then spinach, banana, yogurt, blueberries, seeds, and ice last. This layering helps the blades catch the greens more easily and prevents them from getting stuck.
- Blend on Low, Then High: Start blending on low speed for 10-15 seconds to break down the larger pieces, then increase to high speed. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth with no visible spinach flecks. The smoothie should be thick, creamy, and uniformly purple.
- Check Consistency: Stop and check the texture. If it’s too thick, add 2-4 tablespoons more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen blueberries or ice cubes. The perfect consistency should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still easily drinkable through a straw.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a quick taste test. If it’s not sweet enough for your preference, add honey or maple syrup and blend for another 10 seconds. Remember, the sweetness of bananas can vary, so adjust accordingly.
- Serve Immediately: Pour into tall glasses and enjoy right away for the best texture and temperature. Top with a few fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or granola if desired. Insert a reusable straw and enjoy your nutritious purple powerhouse!
Notes
- Frozen vs. Fresh Fruit: Frozen blueberries create a thicker, creamier texture and are more economical. If using fresh, add 4-5 ice cubes for proper consistency.
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Use a ripe banana with brown spots for maximum sweetness and creaminess. Underripe bananas can make the smoothie taste starchy.
- Spinach Alternatives: If you don’t have spinach, try kale (use half the amount), romaine, or even frozen riced cauliflower for a neutral-tasting green boost.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, nut butter (1-2 tablespoons), or hemp hearts for extra staying power.
- Thicker Smoothie Bowl: Reduce milk to ¾ cup and use frozen banana for a spoonable smoothie bowl consistency. Top with granola, coconut flakes, and fresh berries.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk and yogurt, or skip the yogurt entirely and add ½ avocado for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (half recipe with Greek yogurt)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 8mg